Incubation and Embryology - University of Illinois

History of Breeds

Class I - American

Plymouth Rocks

The Plymouth Rock was first exhibited at America's first poultry show,
in 1829 in Boston. It is believed that these original fowls lost their identity
and that the progenitors of our present Barred Plymouth Rocks were first
exhibited in 1869 at Worcester, Massachusetts. These were composites of
several blood lines. The first and most prominent cross was that of a Dominique
male with Black Cochin or Black Java females, which was originally made
at Putnam, Connecticut. The Dominique male used was not the American or
Rose-Comb Dominique, but rather a single-combed, hawk-colored fowl commonly
found in that locality. This Plymouth Rock was recognized as a distinct
breed and was admitted to the first American Standard of Excellence, in
1874.

Whether the Plymouth Rock originated from a Dominique-Black Cochin or
from a Dominique-Black Java cross is a debatable question. Both have been
used synonymously in show classifications.

White Plymouth Rocks were white sports of the Barred variety, other strains
trace their ancestry to other white fowls.

Buff Plymouth Rocks originated in Rhode Island, not far from Fall River,
Massachusetts, and were first exhibited as Golden Buffs. Buff Cochin blood
was introduced in some strains in New York State.

Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks originated in the state of New York. Dark
Brahma and Silver Penciled Wyandotte blood were used to produce this variety.

Partridge Plymouth Rocks are a result of Partridge Cochin, Dark Cornish,
Single-comb Golden Wyandotte males, Brown Leghorns, Golden Laced Wyandottes
and Barred Plymouth Rocks being amalgamated to form the new variety.

Columbian Plymouth Rocks originated in Ohio as the result of crosses between
Light Brahmas, Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Plymouth Rocks and Columbian
Wyandottes.

The Plymouth Rock is a dual purpose fowl for the production of eggs and
meat. The color of the skin is yellow, the egg shell is brown. There may
be considerable difference in the shades or tints of shell which vary from
a very light to a dark brown, depending on the strain and the stage of production.

Dominiques

There is no reliable data on the origin of the American Dominiques. It
is probably a selection from the many hawk colored or gray fowls kept in
the New England States. The type of the breed indicates composite blood
lines, possibly of the Asiatic and Hamburg breeds.

The Dominiques is a dual purpose, medium weight fowl, for the production
of meat and eggs. The skin is yellow and the egg shell is brown.

Wyandottes

The Silver Laced Wyandotte is the parent variety of the Wyandotte family.
It originated in New York State. It was first known as "American Sebright"
and "Sebright Cochin." The true origin is shrouded in mystery.
The Dark Brahma and Spangled Hamburgs were used by the originator of the
"American Sebright" was evidenced by the cropping out of the Hamburg
comb and Dark Brahma color markings in some of the earlier Eastern strains.

Golden Laced Wyandottes originated in Wisconsin. They were produced by
mating Silver Laced Wyandotte females with a cross-bred Partridge Cochin-Brown
Leghorn cockerel.

The color pattern of the Sebright Bantam has been more or less of an ideal
for breeders of Silver and Golden Laced Wyandottes. It is one that should
conform to the larger size of the fowl by having more sharply defined and
wider black lacing to harmonize with the broader oval center of the feather.

White Wyandottes originated from sports of the Silver Laced variety in
New York State. The texture of feather is important in Wyandottes, especially
in the White variety, where broad feathers and smooth fitting plumage are
necessary to preserve the characteristic curvilinear breed type of the true
Wyandotte.

Buff Wyandottes are light colored Rhode Island Reds, but though lacking
in type and off in color, they laid the foundation of a Buff Wyandotte for
breed, type and color. Golden and White Wyandotte crosses and Buff Cochin-White
and Golden Wyandotte crosses dominated in other strains.

Partridge Wyandottes originated in the East and West. The Partridge Cochin
furnished the color patterns for both the Eastern and Western strains, but
the varieties with which the Cochin were crossed were somewhat different.
The Eastern strain was the result of a Partridge Cochin-Golden Wyandotte
cross; the Western strain was produced from Partridge Cochin-Cornish-Golden
Wyandotte crosses.

Silver Penciled Wyandottes were produced by blending two strains; one
a Partridge Wyandotte-Dark Brahma cross, the other, a cross of Silver Laced
Wyandottes and Silver Penciled Hamburgs cross.

Columbian Wyandottes were named for the 1893 Columbian Exposition held
in Chicago in 1893. This variety was produced by crossing a White Wyandotte
and a Barred Plymouth Rock.

Wyandottes are of medium weight, dual purpose fowl for the production
of meat and eggs. The skin is yellow and the eggs shells vary in color from
very light to a rich brown, depending on individual, strain, and the stage
of production.

Javas

Javas are one of the earliest breeds known in the United States. It is
not an American-made breed, but came from the Isle of Java in the East Indies
in 1835.

Javas are a general purpose fowl for the production of meat and eggs.
The skin is yellow and the egg shells are brown.

Rhode Island Reds

The origin of the Rhode Island Red dates to a fowl bred in the section
of New England that is located between Narragansett Bay and Buzzard's Bay.
The name Rhode Island Red was given the breed in honor of the state where
it originated from crossing the Red Malay Game, Leghorn and Asiatic native
stock.

The earlier Rhode Island Reds sported both single and rose combs, some
even having pea combs, due to their mixed ancestry and because they were
being bred primarily for market purposes. This is an important dual purpose
breed, capable of excellent egg production.

Rhode Island Whites originated in Rhode Island from which they took their
name. They are a result of crosses of Partridge Cochins, White Wyandottes
and Rose-Comb White Leghorns. The distinct shape characteristic of both
Rhode Island Reds and Rhode Island Whites is the horizontal, oblong body.

Rhode Island Reds and Whites are general purpose fowls, bred for the production
of meat and eggs. The skin color is yellow and the eggs shells are brown
to dark brown.

Buckeyes

An American breed originating in Ohio with the color similar to the richly
colored buckeye nut. Their blood lines include the Dark Cornish, Black Breasted
Red Game, Buff Cochin and Barred Plymouth Rock. In body shape, as well as
comb, they resemble the early Cornish of the 1905 period with stout muscular
thighs, broad and well rounded breast carried well up but without the extra
breadth of shoulder of the Cornish. An active dual purpose breed.

Chantecler

The Chantecler is the first breed of Canadian creation. It originated in
the Province of Quebec. It is the result of efforts to obtain a fowl of
vigorous and rustic temperament that could resist the climatic condition
of Canada, a "general purpose fowl," a good winter layer, and
especially with comb and wattles reduced to a minimum.

In the production of this breed two crosses were made in 1908, a Dark
Cornish male mated to a White Leghorn female and a Rhode Island Red male
mated to a White Wyandotte female. The following season, the pullets from
the first Class, the Dark Cornish male and the White Leghorn female, were
mated with a cockerel from the Rhode Island Red and White Wyandotte cross.
Selected pullets from this last mating were then mated with a White Plymouth
Rock male and the subsequent matings produced the typical fowl sought for
as it is today.

The Partridge variety originated in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In the
production of this variety four crosses were made, Partridge Wyandotte,
Partridge Cochin, Dark Cornish and Rose Comb Brown Leghorn.

This is a general purpose fowl for egg and meat production. The skin color
is yellow and the egg shells are brown.

Jersey Giants

The Jersey Black Giants originated in New Jersey by crossing Black Javas,
Dark Brahmas and Black Langshans. In recent years, Cornish blood was introduced
in some strains. As the name implies the Jersey Giants are large and a very
heavy fowl.

The Jersey White Giants were sports of the Black variety.

The Jersey Giant is a general purpose fowl for heavy meat and egg production.
The color of the skin is yellow and the eggs shells are brown to dark brown.

Lamonas

Lamonas were originated at the United States Government Experiment Station
at Beltsville, Maryland. They are the result of crosses of Silver Gray Dorking,
White Plymouth Rocks and Single Comb White Leghorns. A heavy breed fowl.

General purpose fowl for meat and egg production. The skin color is yellow
and the egg shells are white.

New Hampshires

New Hampshires developed over a period of years beginning around 1915 from
a foundation of Rhode Island Reds, first brought into New Hampshire from
Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. There is no record of any outside
blood having been introduced and the breed has been developed by farm poultrymen
of New Hampshire by the continual selection of breeding stock for early
maturity, large brown shelled eggs, quick feathering, strength and vigor
during its evolution. Special meat type strains are now developed featuring
extreme rapid growth and increased weights. This type has a very light shade
of surface color for better dress, but extreme meat type strains do not
have the egg production qualities of the dual purpose Standard New Hampshire.
A very popular general purpose utility fowl for egg and meat production.
The skin color is yellow and the egg shells are brown.

Hollands

Hollands are the offspring from previous mating of fowls imported from
Holland crossed with White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires and
Lamonas that were selected for desired characteristics, resulting in the
breed known as the White Hollands.

During the same period, selected matings of the progeny from White Leghorns,
Barred Plymouth Rocks, Australorps and Brown Leghorns were bred to produce
a fowl with the same characteristics with a barred feather pattern, thus
the Barred Hollands were originated.

These breeds were admitted as a standard in 1949.

A heavy general purpose fowl for meat and eggs. The skin color is yellow
and the egg shells are white.

Delawares

Delawares were first developed in 1940 from off-colored sports which occurred
in the cross between Barred Plymouth Rock males and New Hampshire females.
They are named for the state in which they originated. These sports lacked
the black extension factor that would normally have been transmitted from
the Barred Plymouth Rock male with the results they became almost white,
showing a slight indication of barring in the hackle, primaries, secondaries
and tail.

A dual purpose fowl with well developed egg and meat characteristics.
Excellent as broilers with an abundance of vigor and fine market quality.
Delaware males may be mated to New Hampshire or Rhode Island Red females
and produce chicks of the Delaware feather pattern. Delaware females may
be mated to New Hampshire or Rhode Island Red males, and sex-linked chicks
result; the males have the Delaware pattern and the females have solid red
feather pattern of the male. These day-old chicks may be separated according
to sexes by their color.

Class II - Asiatic

Brahmas

An Asiatic breed of fowl, called Chittagongs, Gray Shanghais, and Brahma
Pootras, later shortened to Brahma, thought to have been a cross of the
Malay and Cochin in India. Imported from Shanghai, China, in the early 1840's,
they landed in New England much later. American poultry fanciers made over
and refined the original parent stock into the large stately and useful
Light and Dark Brahma varieties.

The Buff Brahmas are of more recent origin.

The head and skull are important breed characteristics. Texture of the
feathers is also of great importance, for the plumage, should be smooth
fitting and not loose-feathered and soft as in the Cochin.

A general purpose fowl for heavy meat production. The skin color is yellow
and the egg shells are light to dark brown.

Cochins

The Chinese Shanghai fowl came to England and America in 1845. The name
of this Asiatic breed was later changed to Cochin. The earliest Cochins
were more or less buff in color. Its striking appearance, due to great size
and profuse soft feathering, distinguished it from all other known breeds
at the time. Cochins created a sensation in England, resulting in a great
boom for the "Cochin China," as it was called in the days of the
"Cochin craze."

Both male and female are massive in appearance, with an extraordinary
profusion of long, soft plumage and a great abundance of down fiber in the
under-fluff, producing a rather bulky appearance and conveying the idea
of even greater weight than actually exists.

Primarily bred for exhibition, the Cochin is capable of being bred as
a meat type fowl. The skin color is yellow and the egg shells are brown.

Langshans

The Black Langshan originated in China, where it has been bred over a long
period of years. Its predominant reproductive qualities indicate it to be
a pure race of domesticated poultry. Black Langshans were imported from
China into England by the late Major Croad, so there is a Class of "Croad
Langshans" in the English Standard.

Langshans are dual purpose fowls of the Asiatic Class and are smaller
than the Brahma and Cochin and more active. The male develops a large well-spread
tail with feathers of great length, the sickles often attaining a length
of sixteen or seventeen inches. The closely-fitting saddle feathers, full
hackled neck and upright carriage give the effect of a short back. The surface
plumage throughout is close and smooth. The body in both sexes should be
evenly balanced on firm, straight legs, with very little backward bend at
the hocks. The height of the Langshan should be gained by depth of body
and erectness of carriage, and not from what may be described as stiltiness
of legs.

This is a general purpose fowl for production of meat and eggs. The skin
color is white and the eggs shells are very dark brown.

Class III - English

Dorkings

The Dorking is one of the most ancient of all domesticated races of poultry.
It was brought to Great Britain by the Romans with Julius Caesar, but was
known and described by the Roman writer Columella long before it became
a popular breed in England. He speaks of the hens as being "square-framed,
large and broad-breasted, with big heads and small upright combs,"
adding that "the purest breed are five-clawed."

This is a dual purpose fowl for meat and egg production. The skin color
is white and the egg shells are white.

Redcaps

Redcaps originated in Derbyshire, England, probably from Hamburg crossed
with other breeds. The very large rose-comb is the most striking characteristic
of the breed. They are good producers of eggs.

The skin color is white and the egg shells are white.

Cornish

The Cornish fowl originated in Cornwall, England. This was the Dark Cornish,
the parent breed generally known abroad as "Indian Game," although
the name Cornish is the more correct. It is a composite of several different
blood lines--Asell (or Asil), Black-Red, Old English, and Malay. A distinguishing
characteristic of the Cornish is that the body of both male and female is
of the same conformation.

White Cornish were produced from White Malay - Dark Cornish crosses in
1890.

White-Laced Red Cornish were produced in America in 1893, from a Shamo
Japanese - Dark Cornish cross.

This is a super-heavy meat producing fowl, valuable also for crossing
on other breeds for the production of market poultry. The skin color is
yellow and the egg shells are brown.

Orpingtons

The Black Orpington produced in 1886 at Orpington, County Kent, England,
from a Black Langshan-Black Minorca-Black Plymouth Rock cross, is the original
Orpington. The Buff and White varieties were produced from crosses other
than those which were used to make up the Black Orpington. Cochin blood
was introduced into some of the earlier strains of Orpingtons as evidenced
by some of the more loosely feathered specimens. The original Black Orpington
came to America in 1890.

The Blue Orpingtons were produced from crossing the Black and White varieties
in 1923.

This is a general purpose fowl for heavy meat production and for eggs.
The skin color is white and the egg shells are light to dark brown.

Sussex

The Sussex is a very old English breed, which originated in the County
of Sussex more than a century ago. It was primarily bred for market purposes,
Sussex being famed for its production of table fowls.

This is a dual purpose fowl for production of meat and eggs. The skin
color is white and the eggs shells are brown.

Australorps

The Australorp is a production bred Australian Black Orpington, noted for
its splendid egg production.

The breed was developed in Australia where it has been bred principally
for egg production rather than meat as has been the case with its predecessor,
the Orpington.

It is a medium weight, active bird laying a tinted egg and is a valuable
fowl for those who desire an abundance of eggs without sacrificing too much
value in meat quality.

Class IV - Mediterranean

Leghorns

The original breed came from Italy, but its many subvarieties originated
or were developed in England, Denmark and America. They comprise a group
characterized by great activity, hardiness and prolific egg-laying qualities.
The females are non-sitters, very few of them exhibiting a tendency to broodiness.
Aside from the manifold points of beauty in type and color found in all
varieties of Leghorns their excellent productive qualities are valuable
assets of the breed.

Especially noted for their production of eggs. The skin color is yellow
and the egg shells are white.

Minorcas

Minorcas, originally called Red-Faced Black Spanish, are the largest and
heaviest of the Mediterranean breed. The distinct characteristics of the
Minorca breed are their long strong bodies, large combs, long wattles, large
white ear-lobes, large and full tail moderately elevated, with firm muscular
legs set squarely under the powerful looking body.

An excellent producer of large white eggs. The skin color is white and
the egg shells are a chalk-white.

White Faced Black Spanish

This is probably the oldest breed in the Mediterranean Class. The large,
smooth, white face and ear-lobes are distinct characteristics of this Spanish
breed, but these features should not be subjected to abnormal development.

A non-sitting fowl noted for the reproduction of large chalk-white eggs.
The skin color is white.

Blue Andalusians

Blue Andalusians are credited with being natives of Andalusia, a province
in Spain. They originated from crossing a black fowl with one of its white
sports, these two colors producing a bluish-slate fowl. In Cornwall and
Devon, England, similar blue fowls were produced by crossing black and white
sports. This was before Andalusians were imported into England. They resembled
the earlier Andalusians in type and color. The modern Andalusian should
be symmetrical, graceful, compact, medium in size, and stately in carriage.
The dull and uneven blue colored fowl of the past has been transformed into
the attractive, laced breed of today by years of scientific breeding.

This is a non-sitting fowl, laying large chalk-white eggs. The skin color
is white.

Anconas

The Anconas takes its name from the City of Ancona, a port in Italy, from
which the first Anconas were shipped to England. They originated from crosses
of Italian fowl common in Central Italy is evident by their close resemblance
in type and size to the Leghorn breed.

Anconas came to America from England in 1888.

This is a non-sitting fowl. They are excellent layers of white shelled
eggs and have yellow skin.

Buttercups

The Sicilian Buttercup, as its name implies, originated in Sicily, the
first importation from the island coming to America in 1835. The work "Sicilian,"
has been dropped. The Buttercup owes its name to the cup-shaped comb, its
most characteristic feature, and the golden ground color of its plumage.
The eggs for hatching were not imported into America until 1892. It was
from these eggs that the present stock descended.

Buff Catalans

The Catalana Del Prat first came into being as a natural breed among the
farmers in the district of Prat, near Barcelona, Catalana, Spain. This breed
is very popular in the Latin American Republics.

Noted for its vigor and hardiness. A dual purpose breed, producer of both
meat and eggs of large size. The skin is a pinkish white and the egg shells
are white or a very light tint.

Hamburgs

The Hamburg is a very old race of domesticated poultry. The name of the
breed is German, but the origin is Dutch. They were originally Classified
among the Continental breeds, although, they owe their present shape and
color qualities to the English fanciers, who, over a century ago, began
the work of refining the "pheasant fowls" of that period into
modern Hamburgs. The Black and Spangled varieties were evolved in England;
the Penciled varieties came from Holland via Hamburg, Germany.

As an ornamental non-sitting fowl, they are good layers of white shelled
eggs. Their skin color is white.

Class VI - Continental

Campines

The Campine originated in Belgium, where it has been bred for several centuries.
The name is derived from the Campine country, where these fowls are bred
largely for the production of white-shelled eggs. The two Belgian breeds
are Braekel and Campine, are practically the same in all points except size,
the Braekel being the larger fowl.

The English, or Standard Campine of today is a composite of two Belgian
varieties with the plumage of the Campine male and female identical in color
patterns.

Primarily bred for egg production, Classed as a non-sitting, utility fowl,
but upright carriage and attractive color marking have made Campines popular
for exhibition purposes as well. The skin is white and the egg shells are
also white.

Lakenvelders

The Lakenvelder is an old established breed of German origin, having been
known in the country since the 1830's. About 1860 it was bred to a considerable
extent in Westfalen and the Northern part of the Rhine province and has
been exhibited off and on since that time.

In America it is seen occasionally in shows. Wherever exhibited they have
created interest.

It is primarily bred for egg production and is classed as a non-sitter.
The skin color is white and the egg shells are white, but sometimes tinted.

Class VII - Polish

The Crested Dutch, or Polish, of early writers were imported from eastern
Europe, and upon landing in England, these were called "Poland Fowls."
On the Continent of Europe, the name "Padoue" is applied to crested
breeds. Charles Darwin classifies all the races of fowl with top-knots as
"Crested or Polish" but does not give any data regarding their
origin.

Polish is a long established race of domesticated poultry. It was mentioned
as a pure breed as early as the sixteenth century. It is among the most
ornamental and beautiful breeds of poultry, highly prized for exhibition
and the production of white-shelled eggs. The most striking characteristic
of the Polish fowl is the large protuberance or knob on top of the skull
from which the crest of feathers grow and the large cavernous nostrils are
found only in crested breeds.

This is an ornamental fowl. It is a non-sitter. The egg shells are white.

Class VIII - French

Houdans

This old French breed was known as the Normandy fowl when first imported
into England in 1850. It takes its present name from the town of Houdan,
located in a section of France where large numbers of Houdans were bred
and raised in past years for the Paris and London markets.

In shape, the Houdan, resembles the Dorking, to which it probably owes
its fifth toe. Crevecoeurs and Polish may also have been used in the original
crosses. The Houdan is esteemed highly in France for its fine meat qualities
and its large white eggs.

The Mottled Houdan came to American in 1865. The White Houdan originated
in American, the result of crossing White Polish with Mottled Houdans.

This is a general purpose, non-sitting fowl for the production of meat
and eggs. The skin color is white and the egg shells are white.

Crevecoeurs

Little is known of the origin of this breed. Darwin classifies Crevecoeurs
with Houdans as sub-varieties of the Polish. They originated in Normandy
and took their name from a village in that country.

A general purpose fowl for the production of meat and eggs. The skin color
is white and the egg shells are white.

La Fleche

La Fleche have been bred for many years in the Valley of La Sarthe, where
the town of La Fleche is located. This breed originated from crossing of
Black Spanish, Crevecoeur, and DuMan blood lines as evident by its high
carriage, activity, large white lobes, V-shaped comb, and the trace of crest
on its head, which crops out on specimens of the French breeds.

The remarkable whiteness and quality of its flesh is attributed to the
rich pastures of La Sarthe, upon which La Fleche have been bred for generations,
and to the system of feeding adopted by the French.

This is a general purpose fowl for the production of meat and eggs. The
skin color is white and the eggs shells are white.

Faverolles

The Faverolle is a composite breed originating from crosses of Houdans,
Dorkings and Asiatics in the village of Faverolle, France, where they were
bred primarily for utility. The production of heavy table poultry and winter
eggs was the main object of the French poultry keepers in establishing this
breed. Unlike other French breeds of poultry, Faverolles lay tinted instead
of white shelled eggs.

This is a general purpose fowl for the production of meat and eggs. The
color of the skin is white and the eggs shells are light brown.

Class IX - Games

Modern Games

The Modern Exhibition Game is strictly a fancier's creation. In type it
is far removed from the Old English or Pit Game bred in the days when cock
fighting was the vogue of Great Britain. The ideals of breeders of Pit Games
were replaced by the ideals of exhibition Game fanciers. A high-stationed
Game fowl with a style and carriage peculiar to itself is the result. Modern
Games were at the height of their popularity in the closing years of the
1800's.

Station in Modern Games and Modern Game Bantams is of great importance
and shortness and hardness of feathers are also important. The comb, wattles
and ear-lobes of the cock should be dubbed in order to have the head, lower
mandible and throat smooth and free from ridges. Exceptionally large specimens
are undesirable, as overgrowth tends to coarseness at the expense of form
and style of carriage which are essential characteristics of the Modern
Game and even to a greater degree in the Modern Game Bantam.

Old English Games

The intriguing history of the Old English Game fowl lead us right back
to the misty beginning of the human race. From time immemorial, the Game
fowl has stood for courage and a symbol of indomitable spirit. After cock
fighting was suppressed in England in 1835 and poultry shows came into prominence,
the Pit Game was bred for exhibition and became knows as the Old English
Game. Blood of the Game fowl has been used in many of our most useful breeds
of poultry. For hardiness, vigor and longevity no breed of fowl excels the
Game.

Class X - Orientals

Sumatras

The Black Sumatra fowl is a native of Sumatra, and, as far as known, is
as pure blooded today as when first discovered on that island in the Far
East many years ago. This is a fowl of graceful form and distinct carriage,
with the richest of lustrous, greenish black plumage throughout. Its particular
characteristic is the long flowing tail of the male, which has an abundance
of long sweeping sickles and coverts. Multiple spurs are often found on
males and are to be desired. Other desirable characteristics are length
and breadth of feather, extremely lustrous, greenish black plumage color
and practically no wattle development.

They have yellow skin and the egg shells are white or a light tint.

Malays

The Malay, as its name implies, originated in Asia, from which country
it came to England as early as 1830. A giant among other breeds of poultry,
it was given considerable prominence by early writers who regarded it as
one of the old pure breeds of poultry. Its chief characteristics are great
length of leg, and the sinister expression caused by a broad skull and projecting
beetle eye-brows, also three regular downward curves in outline from top
of head to tip of tail.

Malay blood is in many of our early Standard breeds although bred primarily
for exhibition now. The skin is yellow and the eggs shells are dark brown.

Cubalayas

Cubalayas originated in Cuba where they are very extensively bred. They
are an oriental breed and are traced back to birds coming from the Orient,
most probably from the Philippine Islands. Stately carriage, short beaks,
broad short heads, with a fierce appearance, a well spread tail and the
uninterrupted line from base of neck to end of tail are typical characteristics
of the breed. They are of medium size and striking in appearance.

Very hardy and their white meat is greatly appreciated by epicures.

Class XI - Miscellaneous

Sultans

A very old, ornamental race of poultry, listed in the first American Standard
of Excellence in 1874. Sultans came to England in 1854 from Istanbul. They
originated in Southeastern Europe, but were bred in Turkey under the name
of "Sultan's Fowl," the breed evidently enjoying the favor of
Turkish rulers, possible due to their attractive appearance. They have for
their most distinguishing characteristics, the novel features of a full
crest, muff, and beard, combined with vulture hocks and profuse shank and
toe feathering, along with five toes on each foot.

Bred primarily for exhibition, the Sultan is not Classed among production
fowls, although the hens are good layers of medium-sized eggs. The skin
is white and the egg shells are white.

Frizzles

Frizzles are one of our odd breeds, and little is know about their origin.
Charles Darwin Classes them as Frizzled or Caffie Fowls, not uncommon in
India, and with feathers curling backwards and primary feathers of wing
and tail imperfect. The main points for exhibition purposes are the curl,
which is most pronounced on feathers not too broad; the purity of color
in plumage, correctness in leg color; i.e., yellow legs for the white, red,
or buff, and yellow or willow for other varieties.

Bred principally for exhibition, but capable of being good productive
fowl. The skin is yellow and the eggs shells are brown.

Bantams

Bantams are miniature chickens usually about one-fourth to one-fifth the
weight of their large counterparts, when such exist. Although they appear
to be exact miniatures, actually they are disproportionately larger in head,
wings, tail and feather size than their weight would indicate. Little is
known of their origin, but it is thought they may have originated in the
Orient although historians do not agree.

The popularity of Bantams has increased tremendously. Bantams are known
as the flower garden of the poultry world with their many different types
and unlimited assortment of colors and color patterns. Many are miniature
of large poultry while others are a type and color not seen in large chickens.

The American and English Class of Bantams are excellent producers of meat
and eggs, and other Bantams such as the Mediterranean and Hamburg Class
are splendid layers. These small, plump, well-meated fowls, when prepared
for the table, fill the needs of persons desiring a smaller quantity of
meat for frying, broiling or roasting.

Bantams were formerly known strictly as a fancier's delight, for pleasure
and pets, but they are now proving their commercial value and are adaptable
as a backyard flock.

Modern Game Bantams

Modern Game Bantams originated in England and are a counterpart of the
large Modern Games in type and color, and like the large Moderns were recognized
in 1874. Known as the ultra fanciers creation, they are very striking in
their many colors. Modern Games show very erect carriage, extreme length
of shank and lower thigh, round bone, long slim head and neck, short trim
body, small whip tail and are the possessor of our lowest weights. All specimen
should be trained to pose in order to show to their best advantage.

Old English Game Bantam

Old English Game Bantams originated in England many years ago. Popularity
in America has greatly increased since becoming a Standard breed in 1925
and they often are among our largest Classes in the show room. Type and
color is the same as for the large Old English with the possible exception
that the tail of the Bantam does not show the full development of the large
Old English. The long flowing hackle of the male is commonly referred to
among breeders as the shawl. They are hardy and vigorous and in addition
to the usual beautiful colors, come in the very attractive Spangles and
Wheaten.

Single Comb- Clean Legged - Other Than Games

Japanese Bantams present one of the extremes of the Bantam World. The disproportionately
large comb, head, wings and tail of the male and the remarkable shortness
of legs are striking characteristics. The male tail is further distinguished
by the long sword-shaped main sickles carried slightly forward of the perpendicular,
accentuating the grotesque figure of the Japanese Bantam.

The Frizzle Bantams are sometime called Peony fowl and are one of the
oddities of the feathered world. They are an attraction wherever they are
exhibited with their unorthodox appearance.

Rose Comb Clean Legged Bantams

Sebright Bantams were originated around 1810 in England by Sir John Sebright,
the result of some thirty years of intensive breeding. They represent the
greatest feat of fancier skill ever performed, for not only are they known
for marvelous perfection of lacing, but even more so the fact both male
and female are entirely hen-feathered, the male showing no pointed sex feathers
in hackle, saddle or wing bow, nor any tail sickles.

Black and White Rosecomb Bantams are noted for perfection of comb and
lobe, quality of feather, lustrous plumage color and distinctly proud and
stylish type.

All Other Combs, Clean-Legged Bantams

Polish Bantams are very attractive in the striking White Crested Black,
Laced Golden, Silver and Buff varieties and the solid White. The large protuberance
or knob on top of the skull from which the crest feathers grows, and the
large cavernous nostrils are found only in the crested breeds. Size and
shape of crest and beard is of paramount importance.

Cornish Bantams are hard to surpass as a dressed bird for a small family
and they are very good layers--something one does not usually find in a
meat type fowl.

Feather Legged Bantams

Cochin Bantams have been a favorite in North America. Cochin Bantams originated
in China and were first known as Pekins and in England are still known by
this name.

Silkie Bantams are one of the oddities of the poultry world with their
nearly black skin, face, comb, wattles and bones, and their hair-like plumage
in which there is no web. Ancient writers referred to fowl with hair instead
of feathers and they are believed to have originated in Japan although information
of them also comes from India, China and the Malay states. They are further
distinguished by a crest, also bearded and non-bearded varieties, and five
toes.

Mille Fleur Booted were introduced in this country in 1911 from Germany
where they were popular, being known under the name of Gold Porcelaines.
They were also popular in Belgium and England. The name Mille Fleur (Thousand
Flowers) was adopted by the Belgian Specialty Club, most prominent in promoting
their advancement.

Booted White Bantams show extremely developed characteristics, such as
vulture hocks, extreme foot feathering or boots, and very erect, well spread
tails with prominent breast carried high. They are very ornamental.

Frizzle Bantams are prized for their degree of frizzling or intensely
curled feathers and are a constant source of attraction at shows. They have
long been popular in England. They must be bay, black, buff, blue, red or
white in plumage color and have single combs.

Vocabulary

Dual purpose - having a double purpose, meat and eggs

Dubbed - cut so as to make even or smooth

General purpose - having more than one use

Heavy breed - stout

Meat type strains - chickens raised for meat rather than
egg production

Production bred - bred for a certain type of production

Sports - an organism that shows a marked change from
the parent stock; mutation